BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Every year, thousands of people die while simply crossing the street. Researchers at Hopkins are now trying to stop pedestrian deaths.

Monique Griego has more on the new campaign.

The study looked at how we can cut down on pedestrian deaths–and who was mostly to blame may surprise you.

Every single day on the streets of Maryland, a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle.

Jessica Oppenheimer’s friend learned that the hard way.

“The first thing that happened to her was she got hit. She got hit in a pedestrian crosswalk. She had the right of way but didn’t look,” Oppenheimer said.

One distracted moment by a pedestrian or driver can have deadly consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in Maryland, 100 people are killed in pedestrian accidents. Nationwide, that number jumps to 4,500.

“It can be dangerous at times because a lot of times, you don’t see them,” said driver Frank Green.

In an effort to increase pedestrian safety, Johns Hopkins injury researchers are pushing a new campaign.